Some of us love the gifts, others the Christmas movies, decorations or the food. Here, at Grown and Flown, we love the holiday commercials. Our criteria for picking our favorites this year was the same as it has been every year: Did the commercial make us reach for the tissues?
2022 winners
The Magical Cookbook/Kroger (2022)
Without giving it away, let’s just say that holiday recipes help this sweet grandpa remember those he’s lost but also those who are still here. Oh and the music is awesome. The byline is “Today’s holidays are tomorrow’s memories.”
John Lewis Christmas Advert: The Beginner (2022)
A man takes up a hobby and he struggles mightily to master it. He starts to get the hang of it and then it becomes clear to the viewer why he has out so much effort into it. So sweet.
Have your Elf a Merry Christmas | Asda Christmas Advert (2022)
This one is just fun. Buddy the Elf is back creating chaos and spreading his Christmas cheer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KnW1TWqAXYs
THE GIFT | Disney Christmas Advert (2022)
The Gift tells the story of a young girl whose mom is pregnant. It’s hard to wrap your head around a new sibling, but sometimes we can’t even imagine how wonderful something will turn out to be.
McDonald’s Christmas Advert | The List (2022)
Who needs a Christmas list? Well, this young boy thought he did, but he learnes that maybe the list isn’t the most important thing after all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoCYjPAZrCc
Amazon: Joy Is Made by Lucky Generals (2022)
In Joy Is Made a young child is seen carrying a snow globe ornament everywhere. Dad decides to help his daughter through the holidays by creating a very special treat for his daughter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQWLKhhWBTs
Heathrow: The Gift (2022)
This one is for our demographic. It features a couple who will be spending Christmas away from their grown-up children. Grab the tissues.
Advertisers always know just the trick to help us slow down and enjoy the true meaning of the season: holiday commercials. And this year was no exception.
We love some of these new kids on the block but we can’t help hearkening back to Christmas’s past where we found 12 heartwarming holiday commercials from over the years that will surely melt even the Grinchiest of hearts.
12 of the most classic Christmas commercials
1. “I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing” (Coca Cola)
This commercial always makes me smile and the Christmas version is even better. If you aren’t humming this catchy ear worm for the rest of the day, I can’t help you.
2. John Lewis & Partners Christmas Ad 2018
This gorgeous commercial by furniture company features Elton John and I won’t ruin the surprise but suffice it to say: you are going to need a tissue box handy. This commercial reminds us that there are no small gestures, especially at Christmas time.
3. “Community Ice Skating” (McDonald’s)
Okay, I admit it: Ronald McDonald is a tiny bit creepy but, come on: who wouldn’t want to run into him on a snowy pond with cartoon woodland creatures looking on? I remember this commercial airing when I was a kid and I wanted nothing more than to skate along with the guy who sold Happy Meals.
4. “Buster The Boxer” (John Lewis and Partners)
Because let’s face it: our furry friends want gifts from Santa, too.
5. “Adorable Snowman” (Campbell’s Soup)
Advertisers knew what they were doing when they put this kid in an ad: his sweet face and smile makes me want to eat Campbell’s soup for infinity. There’s simply nothing better after playing in the snow all day than a warm bowl of soup. And a big glass of wine but that’s clearly another commercial.
6. ” Holiday Surprise” (Publix Grocery Store)
Publix has the market cornered (pun intended) on holiday commercials. This one from 2008 made me gasp at the end and if you thought you ugly cried during their Home for The Holidays commercial earlier this year, just wait. Publix is the reason we are addicted to holiday commercials here at Grown and Flown.
7. “Peter Is Home” (Folgers)
This one is an oldie but a goodie. Who can forget the day “Peter” comes home to surprise his family for the holiday only to find his little sister waiting at the bottom of the stairs? This commercial made me cry when I was a kid but now that I have teens? Damn you, Folgers.
8. “Dancing Dad” (Bouyges)
We all have that song that we sang to our kids, the song that, when it comes on, it reminds of when our babies were small. This commercial by a tech company nails what it’s like to have that song become a part of the tapestry of your relationship with your kids. Also? It makes you want to get up and dance along, too.
9. “Santa’s Gift Certificate” (McDonald’s)
Yes, again with the McDonald’s but I can’t help myself. Who can resist a kid in footie pajamas leaving a gift certificate for Christmas? I sure can’t.
10. “Love Is A Gift” Short Film
Fair warning: this commercial will make you ugly cry the hardest. Sorry, not sorry.
11. “Brother and Sister Reunion” (Folgers)
Like Publix, Folgers knows how to deliver a cup of coffee with a side of heartwarming heartstring pulling. Now that my kids are teens, it’s my fervent hope that they will both feel the way this brother and sister feel when he arrives home for the holidays. I also hope they’ll make me coffee before I wake up, too. That would be a Christmas miracle.
12. “Sprinkle The Joy” (Publix Grocery Store)
Seriously, Publix. You are killing us but please keep the tear jerkers coming because we can’t help ourselves.
Holiday commercials are an escape from reality and, even though they seem cheesy or silly, sometimes, taking a moment to breathe in the holiday spirit is just what you need when you are looking for those ever-elusive scissors.
More Great Reading:
Stocking Stuffers for Teens and College Kids That Will Make Them Smile
Gifts Your College Girl REALLY Wants for Christmas: 25 Great Ideas